Much of our work in Bangladesh aims to help identify groups often missed out of poverty studies. We worked with Bangladesh’s National Bureau of Statistics to create a guide showing how statistical modelling can estimate poverty accurately and cost-effectively in small administrative areas. And we developed a new poverty mapping model that combines survey data and remote sensing information to help estimate poverty more precisely.

Through pioneering research and analysis, we’re helping to build a clearer picture of poverty dynamics in Bangladesh. We’ve examined how households navigated interconnected crises including Covid-19, economic shocks and political violence. We’ve investigated how gender relations and social norms impact on poverty. We’re not here to make recommendations, but to empower local policymakers and inspire targeted, relevant action.

By linking with with local researchers and policymakers, we aim to collect evidence that leads to a deeper, more useful understanding of how to respond to poverty. In one structured review, we explored whether poverty has been eased by social protection measures or by efforts to increase household assets and returns on assets. We also investigated how urbanisation and migration can impact on extreme poverty. It’s a constant process of collaboration and learning.